City, orchestra to honor 'Black Brigade of Cincinnati'

Most monuments can't speak to tell their own story, but a new monument in Smale Riverfront Park will be given voice on Sunday night.

In 1862, with Confederate forces in position to threaten Cincinnati, white citizens volunteered to defend their city.

But black men were not welcome to join.

"Free African-Americans living in Cincinnati also volunteered, offered to step up and help defend this city, but were told this was a white man's war." National Underground Railroad Freedom Center ‘s Jodie McFarland said.

But soon, officials realized they needed men to begin work on fortifications in case Confederate troops approached the city.

"So (black men) were rounded up by force and held against their will," McFarland said.

More than 400 men were taken across the Ohio River at bayonet point to work on the fortifications, an act that caused an outcry from the African-American community and some local newspapers.

When a new militia commander arrived, he told the men to go home, but asked them to return to help.

"The next morning when they reported for duty, there were over 700 who had volunteered," McFarland said.

The group, dubbed the Black Brigade of Cincinnati, worked from Sept 2 to Sept. 20 on the fortifications, which were credited with helping keep Cincinnati safe from Confederate raiders.

When the Black Brigade was discharged from duty, the men received a welcome-home parade down Fifth Street.

"And at least for that moment, cheering crowds -- both black and white -- were there to welcome them," McFarland said.

The commemoration and concert by the Cincinnati Pops, narrated by News 5's Kevin Robinson, takes place at the park on Sunday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m.

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